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(2nd LD) Moon replaces senior political aide amid corruption scandal

All News 15:41 November 28, 2017

(ATTN: RECASTS headline; CHANGES photo; UPDATES throughout with new info)

SEOUL, Nov. 28 (Yonhap) -- President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday promoted his secretary for political affairs, Han Byung-do, to fill the void left by his former supervisor who resigned over a graft scandal earlier this month.

Han, a former first-term lawmaker, was named to replace Jun Byung-hun, who faces a bribery investigation.

"I feel heavy responsibility as I take over this crucial job at a time when opposition parties lead the National Assembly," the new senior presidential secretary for political affairs told reporters.

"I will become a bridge for communication between the Assembly and the presidential office," he added.

Han Byung-do, newly appointed senior presidential secretary for political affairs, speaks during a press conference at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 28, 2017. (Yonhap)

Han Byung-do, newly appointed senior presidential secretary for political affairs, speaks during a press conference at the presidential office Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Nov. 28, 2017. (Yonhap)

Jun offered to quit on Nov. 16 amid suspicion that his two former aides induced a local home shopping channel to make an illicit donation to a gaming association that was under Jun's control in return for business favors. He denies any wrongdoing.

Han, 49, is known for his close ties with the president. He worked as key election campaigner for Moon in 2012 and earlier this year.

Han was imprisoned for leading a pro-democracy movement in the late 1980s. He was elected to parliament in 2004.

In 2009, he served as an advisor to the foundation for late liberal former President Roh Moo-hyun. In 2012, he worked as special secretary for Han Myeong-sook, then-leader of the Democratic United Party, a precursor to the Democratic Party.

A native of Iksan, North Jeolla Province, Han received a bachelor's degree in journalism and communication from Wonkwang University in 1990.

sshluck@yna.co.kr
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